This article was originally published here
BMJ Open. 2021, April 9; 11 (4): e042303. doi: 10.1136 / bmjopen-2020-042303.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Social prescribing is a novelty widely used in the UK National Health Service’s policy to improve the management of people with long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). In general, it is about connecting primary care patients with non-medical interventions in the community. Despite widespread national support, the evidence for the effectiveness of social prescribing is both inadequate and controversial. In this study, we will examine whether social prescriptions can help prevent T2D and, if so, when, how and under what circumstances it is best to introduce it.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will rely on realistic assessment to examine the complex interpersonal, organizational, social and political contexts in which social prescriptions relevant to T2D prevention are implemented. We will set up a stakeholder group to advise us throughout the study, which will be conducted in three interconnected phases. In Stage 1, we will do a realistic review to summarize the current evidence base for social prescribing. In Phase 2 we will examine how social prescribing relevant to people at high risk of T2D works in a multiethnic, socio-economically diverse community and what interactions with existing T2D prevention services take place using qualitative, quantitative and realistic methods. In Phase 3, we will build on the previous phases and put together a “transferable framework” that will guide the implementation and assessment of the social prescriptions relevant to T2D prevention on a large scale.
ETHICS AND DISTRIBUTION: The National Health Service ethics approval has been granted (reference 20 / LO / 0713). This project will potentially advance the adaptation of social prescription services to the needs of people at high risk of T2D in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. The results may be transferable to other long-term conditions as well. Dissemination is an ongoing process supported by the stakeholder group. Tailor-made results are aimed at the following target groups: (1) Service providers and agents; (2) individuals at high risk of T2D and community stakeholders; and (3) policy and strategic decision makers.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020196259.
PMID: 33837096 | DOI: 10.1136 / bmjopen-2020-042303
